Insurance
Homeowners Insurance in Pennsylvania
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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The short answer
Pennsylvania homeowners paid about $1,120 a year on average in 2022, well below the U.S. average of $1,569. Winter weather, older homes, and basement water are common sources of claims.
One Pennsylvania risk most homeowners policies don't cover is mine subsidence. The state sells its own low-cost coverage for it, and it's worth checking whether your home is at risk.
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Do you need homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania?
State law doesn't require it. But if you have a mortgage, your lender will. If your policy lapses, the lender can buy one for you and add it to your payment. That's called force-placed insurance, and it usually costs more.
What's different in Pennsylvania
Mine subsidence: a gap most policies leave
Parts of Pennsylvania sit over old underground coal and clay mines. When a mine collapses or settles, the ground above can sink and damage a home. That's called mine subsidence, and homeowners insurance usually excludes it.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) runs a Mine Subsidence Insurance program:
- It's inexpensive. $150,000 of coverage costs $41.25 a year, about 27 cents per $1,000 of coverage.
- You choose the amount, from $5,000 to $1,000,000. DEP suggests covering your home's replacement value plus 20%.
- You can check your risk on DEP's free online map by entering your address.
This is a state program price, not a quote from AssistQuote. Source: PA DEP.
Older homes
Pennsylvania has a lot of older homes. Old wiring, plumbing, and roofs can raise your price or limit your choices. Updates, like a new roof or electrical panel, may help. Tell your insurer about them.
Winter and basement water
Freezing pipes and ice dams are common winter claims. Standard policies usually cover sudden damage from a burst pipe. Water that backs up through a drain or sump pump usually needs an add-on. Flooding from outside needs a separate flood insurance policy.
If no one will insure you: the Pennsylvania FAIR Plan
The Pennsylvania FAIR Plan provides basic property insurance to people who can't get it from regular insurers.
What changes your price in Pennsylvania
- Your home's age and condition, especially the roof, wiring, and plumbing.
- Your home's rebuild cost.
- Where you live.
- Your claims history.
- Your deductible and add-ons.
Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the insurance company.
What to ask before you choose
- "Is mine subsidence excluded? Should I buy the state coverage?"
- "Is water backup coverage included?"
- "Will updating my roof, wiring, or plumbing lower my price?"
- "Is my home covered at replacement cost?" See how much homeowners insurance you need.
- "Do I need flood insurance?"
The catch: mine subsidence can crack a foundation or make a home unsafe, and your regular policy likely won't pay. If DEP's map shows mines under your area, the state coverage costs very little for what it protects.
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Keep reading
Updating an older home? See electrical, plumbing, and roof replacement. Foundation cracks? See foundation repair.
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More Pennsylvania guides: Pennsylvania car insurance · Philadelphia car insurance
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